When Ninety-Seven Percent Is a Failure

In school, earning 97% on a test is a cause for celebration. But in some areas of crop production, 97% success just doesn’t cut it. Weed control is a prime example, says Bryan Young, professor of weed science at Southern Illinois University.

"Growers, with all of the rewards programs and other guarantee programs, want 98% or more [control]," Young says. "They’ve been given guarantees, so they expect clean."

Young also notes that when weed populations are high enough, even 97% control results in dozens, if not hundreds, of surviving plants per acre. In the video below, he shares additional insights on how expectations have changed over the years.